ELIZABETH | Australia

Elizabeth suffered profoundly for two years before she was about to share her story. The source of her pain was the brutal attack of her widowed mother. This is what she shared at the end of her Sycamore Tree Project: Justice and Peace^®: Justice and Peace course:

“When I decided to participate in this program, I didn’t really know if I would actually complete it. There were many highs and lows, but I just couldn’t wait to come back each week.

“In my mind, we are all equal. Survivors throwing each other a lifeline. We shared so much during the sessions, some sharing things we have never told a soul before.

“The Sycamore Tree Project: Justice and Peace^®: Justice and Peace tests the edge and pushes the boundaries. The way the course chips away at the wall we have built around ourselves is quite amazing. It is truly based on honesty, trust, and respect. And the support we’ve shown each other has been heartwarming.

“For me personally, there has been a huge amount of healing.

“I had created my own personal hell and thought I was happy the way things were. But I needed closure. I can’t change what happened, but I can change what happens next. I know at times I will look back, but I guess if I can look back, it means that I have moved forward. I am on the road to shalom, and I look forward to seeing you all there… but I might be a bit late.

“I have seen huge changes. Many in this course have grown beyond belief. It has been truly an honor to listen to the stories. These have left footprints on my soul.”

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Story credit: Martin Howard, Sycamore Tree Project: Justice and Peace^®: Justice and Peace, Queensland, Australia